Dubai: The Konkan Bells, the Belthangady Varado Association established in 2011, successfully organised its 3rd Sports Meet – Championship Challenge 2025 on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Al Manara Sports Hall, Jumeirah, Dubai. The event drew a large crowd of over 600 spectators, including players, supporters, and well-wishers from across the UAE, in a day filled with unity, competition, and cultural pride.

A Day of Sporting Excellence and Community Spirit

The Championship Challenge 2025 featured three major sporting events — Throwball (Men & Women), Kabaddi (Men & Women), and Tug of War (Mixed). With 33 participating teams, the atmosphere was electric as athletes displayed skill, determination, and sportsmanship in pursuit of the coveted Konkan Bells Championship Trophy.

The association succeeded in not only engaging its long-time members but also attracting a new generation of participants, marking a milestone moment in its community outreach journey.

Inaugural Ceremony and Honours

The event commenced with a brief inaugural ceremony, where Mr Roshan D’Souza extended a warm welcome to the gathering.

Three distinguished community leaders from Karnataka residing in the UAE were honoured with the ‘Seva Ratna Award’ for their exemplary service and philanthropy:

  • Mr Michael D’Souza, Owner, Ivory Grand Real Estate, UAE
  • Mr Joseph Mathias, Owner, Merit Freight LLC, UAE
  • Mr Walter Pereira, Owner, Meghaspeed Cargo, UAE

The chief guests for the day were Fr Walter D’Mello, Parish Priest of Belthangady Parish, and Mr Walter Nandalike, Founder of Daijiworld Media (India/UAE).

The ceremony included an oath-taking session led by Mr Nelson Pinto, following which Fr Walter D’Mello delivered an inspiring address, urging participants to view sports as a unifying force.

“Games and sports bring people together, fostering understanding, discipline, and joy,” he said, commending Konkan Bells for its decade-long dedication to education and healthcare support for the underprivileged.

Mr Walter Nandalike, who was also present during the founding of Konkan Bells in 2011, expressed admiration for the team’s perseverance and unity. He praised Founder President Mr Remigius D’Souza for his visionary leadership and acknowledged the event as “a proud moment for the entire Konkani community in the Gulf.”

Fr Victor from St Mary’s Church offered his blessings and best wishes to the organisers and participants.

Sports Highlights

Throwball

The Throwball event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 12 teams (6 Men’s and 6 Women’s).

  • Men’s Category: 🥇 Catholic Friends United – Winners | 🥈 Konkans Dubai – Runners-up

    • Best Defender: Hassan (Konkans Dubai)

    • Best Striker: Joyson (Catholic Friends United)

    • Best All-rounder: Pramith (Catholic Friends United)

  • Women’s Category: 🥇 Mangalore Strikers Planet Air – Winners | 🥈 Konkans Dubai – Runners-up

    • Best Defender: Flavita (Konkans Dubai)

    • Best Striker: Roshni (Mangalore Strikers)

    • Best All-rounder: Prajwitha (Mangalore Strikers)

Tug of War (Mixed)

One of the most thrilling contests of the day featured 11 teams, each comprising five men and three women.

  • 🥇 Team Planet Air ALL STARZ – Winners

  • 🥈 Team Matthikatte – Runners-up

Kabaddi

A high-energy event with 8 Men’s teams and 2 Women’s teams competing fiercely.

  • Men’s Category: 🥇 Team New Mark – Winners | 🥈 Bhatkal Bulls – Runners-up

    • Best Rider: Sravn Ira (New Mark)

    • Best Defender: Shravan Gowda (New Mark)

    • Best All-rounder: Abdul Barik (Bhatkal Bulls)

  • Women’s Category: 🥇 Team New Mark – Winners | 🥈 Team Leyton AB – Runners-up

    • Best Rider: Melisha (Leyton AB)

    • Best Defender: Kavana (New Mark)

    • Best All-rounder: Vaishnavi (New Mark)

Awards and Felicitations

The trophy and medal distribution ceremony provided a fitting conclusion to a thrilling day of sports. Awards were presented by:

  • Mr Walter Pereira, Patron, Konkan Bells
  • Mr Remigius D’Souza, Founder President
  • Mr Regional D’Souza, Ex-President
  • Mr Roshan Pinto, Ex-President
  • Mr Sunil Rodrigues, Current President
  • Mr Remigius D’Souza, Founder President, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing deep appreciation to all players, sponsors, and volunteers whose collective efforts made the event a grand success.

Hosts and Commentary

The day’s proceedings were dynamically hosted by Mr Prajwal D’Souza (Ujire/Dubai), with Shravy Gowda and Ashraf providing live on-field commentary that kept the audience engaged and energised throughout the matches.

A Celebration of Unity and Sportsmanship

The Konkan Bells Championship Challenge 2025 proved to be more than a sporting event — it was a celebration of unity, culture, and sportsmanship, embodying the true spirit of the Konkani community in the UAE.

With competitive matches, heartfelt recognitions, and an atmosphere of camaraderie, the event left participants and spectators with cherished memories and renewed pride in their shared heritage.